Motivational strategies for engaging young adults in health-enhancing and recreational physical activity

Abstract

Abstract. Introduction. Insufficient levels of physical activity among young adults are considered one of the leading global public health challenges. In the Ukrainian context, the problem is exacerbated by socio-economic transformations and the consequences of the wartime period, which reduce population engagement in health-enhancing and recreational physical activity. Despite a considerable body of research, the issues of developing sustainable motivation and long-term adherence to physical activity, as well as designing comprehensive motivational strategies that take into account gender and socio-psychological characteristics, remain insufficiently explored. Purpose. To theoretically substantiate and identify effective motivational strategies for engaging young adults in health-enhancing and recreational physical activity based on an analysis of the leading determinants of participation and barriers to regular exercise. Materials and Methods. The study involved 30 individuals aged 25–40 years (15 men and 15 women). Sociological methods (questionnaire survey) were applied. Descriptive statistics, grouping, and ranking of responses were used for data analysis. Results. It was found that the leading motives for participation were health improvement (80%), mood enhancement and stress reduction (67%), desire to improve appearance (60%), and weight loss (53%). Gender-specific features of motivation were identified: women were more frequently oriented toward psycho-emotional and aesthetic factors, while men emphasized increased work capacity and social interaction. The most significant engagement conditions included tangible results of training (4.6 points), a positive atmosphere (4.5), comfortable conditions (4.4), and professional support (4.3). The main barriers were time constraints (4.0 points), organizational difficulties (3.8), psychological barriers (3.6), and medical limitations (3.5). The feasibility of implementing a multi-level system of motivational strategies combining result orientation, psycho-emotional comfort, social support, professional guidance, organizational flexibility, and personalization was substantiated. Conclusions. The motivational structure underlying young adults’ participation in health-enhancing and recreational physical activity is complex and integrates health-related, psycho-emotional, aesthetic, social, and functional components. An effective engagement technology should be based on the integration of intrinsic motives with external organizational conditions, take gender differences into account, reduce participation barriers, and be aimed at fostering long-term adherence to physical activity.